Re: lightly loaded front wheels on long wheelbase recumbents

Indeed long wheelbase recumbents have lightly loaded front wheels. It's the nature of the beast and the light load in front allows for a 20" wheel which is lighter and has less air resistance. You have to ride accordingly. The light front wheel can more easily slide on sandy surfaces and ice. It's not an issue once you get used to it. It's no different than taking into account slippery surfaces on the front wheel of a motorcycle, which is equally prone to front wheel slides. In winter I run a stickier (softer rubber) front tire at a slightly lower pressure so it sticks to ice better.

That being said, long wheelbase recumbents like the Easy Racer are road bikes, like almost every recumbent. Slippery off-road conditions are better served by a mountain bike with knobbies.


Photo: My Tour Easy on a sandy surface.